Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday said his administration has spent over N11.8 billion in the payment of gratuities, pensions, leave bonuses and other regular replenishment of various loan schemes to state and local government retirees since the inception of his administration in 2022.
Mr Oyebanji disclosed this at the plenary of the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) meeting at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
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No fewer than 100 bishops and other leaders of the church attended the meeting.
The five-day standing committee meeting is being presided over by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Ndukuba, a most reverend.
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Mr Oyebanji also told the meeting that his administration has awarded road contracts exceeding N200 billion to cover 350 kilometres of roads across the state.
He stated that over N150 billion had already been paid to contractors, with 126 kilometres of roads completed, while others are at various stages of completion.
He said this is in line with his administration’s vision to upgrade road infrastructure as part of efforts to enhance the socioeconomic development of the state.
Explaining that his administration has continued to prioritise the welfare of workers and the retirees, Mr Oyebanji said, “As we cater for the needs of those still in service, we remain committed to the welfare of the retired workers. The state spends an average of N5 billion per month on salaries and pensions and has spent over N40 billion on this since the beginning of the year.”
He added, “In addition to this, the state has paid N7.5 billion to state retirees and another N4.3 billion to local government retirees as gratuities, making a total of N11.8 billion. This is in addition to the payment of leave bonuses and regular replenishment of various loans schemes.
“Similarly we have invested in road and transport infrastructure, till date, the state has awarded road contracts exceeding N200 billion, covering 350 kilometres across the state, out of this, over N150 billion has been paid to contractors with 126 kilometres completed, while others at various stages of completion and this road were carefully selected to connect commercial hubs, large communities as well as provide alternative routes for commuters.”
The governor highlighted the other achievements of his government to include, security of lives and properties, youth development and job creation with the employment of over 5,000 youth, provision of stable electricity, construction of 350 kilometres of roads, renovation and equipping of over 177 health facilities and engagement of over 5,000 youth in agriculture through Bring Back the Youth into Agriculture scheme, among others.
Speaking on the theme of the convocation, “The Sanctity of the Church Contending for Christian Faith and Witness in the World,” Mr Oyebanji commended the church for its immense contribution to the social, education and healthcare development of the state.
He described the Anglican Communion as partner in progress and a formidable institution that has consistently laid foundation for Ekiti’s social and economic development.
The governor challenged political leaders and those in high office to see themselves as missionaries who are called to the service of God to make life better for the people and to elevate the downtrodden.
He explained that it was for this reason he has centered his government’s policies on the welfare of the ordinary people and have stayed faithful to the social contract signed with Ekiti people and religiously implementing government programes, projects and policies that are of great benefit to them.
While thanking the church for allowing the state to host the meeting of such magnitude, Mr Oyebanji maintained that the state remains indebted to it for the historical role it has played in the socioeconomic development of the state even before creation.
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Earlier in his address, Mr Ndukuba thanked the governor for being an ambassador of Christ in government and commended him for the development strides in the state.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for the bold steps being taken to reform the Nigerian economy as well as infrastructural development across the country.
The primate noted that despite the president’s efforts and reforms the common man continues to suffer hunger, poverty, poor healthcare delivery and insecurity.
To further overcome this challenges, Mr Ndukuba urged the federal government to ensure that trade policies are reviewed in line with the current global trade realities, engage with countries whose trade policies are favourable, seek trade relationship with suppliers in jurisdiction with lower tariff, tackle insecurity, fight oil bunkering and increase production of local refining capacity.
In his welcome address, the Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Andrew Ajayi, a reverend, noted that the event marks a significant moment in the history of the church, as he stressed that the zeal for the gospel, commitment to Anglican orthodoxy as well as passion for kingdom service has grown stronger especially in the drive to ensure an egalitarian Nigeria through the church.
While expressing his appreciation to Mr Oyebanji for his unrivalled leadership quality, commitment to justice, and promotion of peace and development, Mr Olusola expressed delight that the relationship between the church and Ekiti State Government has been marked by mutual respect and worthwhile partnership.
